I’m
not sure how accurate the police work is in “Justified,” but it is certainly
more compelling drama than most cop shows in recent history. In the opening
sequence of the “Justified” pilot, Deputy Marshal Raylan Givens (Timothy
Olyphant) approaches a Miami drug cartel hit man
that he has threatened to shoot if he doesn’t leave Miami. This promise is followed through, but
only after the hit man pulls a weapon, making the shooting justified (get it?).
Although the shooting was justified, Raylan is under investigation for his
behavior, and he is sent back to his hometown as a punishment. With his
personal knowledge of Harlan County, Kentucky, Raylan happens to also be the
perfect candidate to take down a local crime family.

Based
on the short story “Fire in the Hole” by crime novelist Elmore Leonard,
“Justified” works as an adaptation which allows room for growth. I suspect
several more seasons will follow. Timothy Olyphant has a strong presence as the
lead, and he has plenty of experience carrying a western-type show. This may
not be “Deadwood,” but it is an enjoyable crime show nevertheless. The premise
has begun to run a little bit thin by the third season, though all of the
elements which made the first ones a success still remain. He is still a lawman
who often operates outside of conventional law, and surrounded by corruption
this becomes a necessary approach.

All
season three episodes are included in this 3-disc set. Special features include
four cast/crew commentaries on nine episodes, outtakes, deleted scenes, a set
tour and several featurettes. There are new bad guys and new storylines, but
the drama in season three is no different than we have seen in previous seasons
of “Justified.”